YAG Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (YAG PI)
Harley Street, London
YAG Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (YAG PI) is a crucial preventive procedure that can save sight by preventing acute angle-closure glaucoma attacks. This precise laser treatment creates a small opening in the peripheral iris, allowing aqueous humour to flow freely between the eye’s chambers and preventing dangerous pressure spikes that can cause permanent vision loss within hours.
Miss Shreya Haldar’s expertise with YAG laser technology ensures that patients at risk of angle-closure glaucoma receive timely, effective treatment that prevents this sight-threatening emergency. Understanding when this procedure is needed and how it protects vision helps patients make informed decisions about this important preventive treatment.
Understanding Angle-Closure Glaucoma Risk
Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the iris physically blocks the drainage angle, preventing aqueous humour from flowing out of the eye. This blockage causes a rapid increase in intraocular pressure that can reach dangerously high levels within hours, potentially causing irreversible vision loss and severe pain.
Unlike the gradual pressure elevation seen in open-angle glaucoma, angle-closure creates a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. However, many cases can be prevented through timely YAG PI treatment in at-risk individuals.
The anatomy of certain eyes predisposes them to angle closure. These anatomical risk factors can be identified through comprehensive eye examination, allowing for preventive treatment before an acute attack occurs.
The YAG PI Procedure
YAG Peripheral Iridotomy is performed as an outpatient procedure using a specialised laser that creates a microscopic opening in the peripheral iris. The procedure is quick, typically taking only a few minutes per eye.
Pre-Procedure Preparation
Before the procedure, patients receive eye drops to constrict the pupil, making the peripheral iris more accessible for laser treatment. Topical anaesthetic drops ensure comfort during the procedure.
A special contact lens is placed on the eye to focus the laser beam precisely and provide optimal visualisation of the target area. This lens also helps prevent laser energy from affecting other eye structures.
Laser Treatment Process
Miss Haldar uses a YAG laser to create a small, full thickness opening in the peripheral iris, typically in the upper portion where it will be covered by the eyelid. The laser creates multiple small pulses that gradually create the opening.
Patients may see bright flashes of light during the procedure but experience no pain. The entire treatment usually takes only 2-3 minutes per eye, though setup and preparation require additional time.
Immediate Post-Treatment Care
Following YAG PI, patients receive anti-inflammatory eye drops to prevent excessive inflammation around the treatment site. Some temporary pressure elevation can occur, so intraocular pressure is monitored for several hours after treatment.
Most patients can resume normal activities immediately, though they should avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours to minimise the risk of bleeding at the treatment site.
Treatment Effectiveness and Outcomes
YAG PI is highly effective in preventing angle-closure attacks in appropriately selected patients. The procedure successfully eliminates pupillary block in the vast majority of cases, significantly reducing angle-closure risk.
Success Rates
Studies demonstrate that YAG PI prevents angle closure in over 95% of patients with pupillary block mechanisms. The small opening created by the laser provides a permanent alternative pathway for aqueous flow.
Even in cases where anatomical crowding might still pose some risk, YAG PI dramatically reduces the likelihood of acute pressure spikes and their associated complications.
Long-Term Protection
The opening created by YAG PI is permanent and typically doesn’t require retreatment. Long-term studies show sustained protection against angle closure for many years following treatment.
Regular follow-up examinations ensure that the opening remains clear and functional. Rarely, the opening might become partially blocked by inflammatory tissue, requiring additional treatment.
Lifestyle and Activity Modifications
Following YAG PI, most patients can resume normal activities without restriction. The procedure doesn’t typically require significant lifestyle modifications, which is one of its major advantages.
Activity Guidelines
Patients can usually return to work and normal activities immediately after YAG PI. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for 24 hours to minimise bleeding risk, but this restriction is temporary.
No special precautions are needed regarding reading, computer use, or other visual activities. The small opening created doesn’t interfere with normal vision or daily activities.
Long-Term Considerations
The permanent nature of YAG PI means that patients don’t need ongoing treatment or significant lifestyle modifications. Regular eye examinations remain important for overall eye health monitoring.
Some patients may still be candidates for certain medications or procedures that could affect angle anatomy, but these decisions can be made individually based on overall health needs.
Why Choose Miss Shreya Haldar for YAG PI?
Miss Shreya Haldar’s expertise with YAG laser technology ensures precise, safe treatment that effectively prevents angle-closure attacks. Her comprehensive evaluation identifies patients who would benefit from this protective procedure.
Her experience with hundreds of YAG PI procedures provides the skill and judgment necessary for optimal outcomes with minimal complications. The precise laser application techniques she employs maximise effectiveness whilst minimising side effects.
Located on Harley Street in London, Miss Haldar’s practice provides access to the most advanced YAG laser systems available. This state-of-the-art equipment ensures precise treatment delivery and optimal patient comfort.
Miss Haldar’s thorough pre-procedure evaluation ensures that patients are appropriate candidates for YAG PI and that they understand the procedure’s benefits and risks. This careful assessment contributes to high success rates and patient satisfaction.
Her comprehensive follow-up care ensures that treatment effectiveness is maintained over time and that any issues are promptly addressed. This ongoing support provides patients with confidence and peace of mind.
Protect your vision from the devastating effects of acute angle-closure glaucoma. Miss Shreya Haldar’s expertise with YAG Laser Peripheral Iridotomy provides the preventive treatment that can save your sight.
Contact our Harley Street practice today to arrange your evaluation and discover if you’re at risk for angle closure. Prevention is always better than emergency treatment, and we’re here to provide the expert care that keeps your vision safe.